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SAACI 2013 Annual Congress & Exhibition aims to be relevant and informative |
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Published On: 2013-05-14 |
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Challenging the industry to find the best way forward, the SAACI (Southern African Association for the Conference Industry) 2013 Annual Congress & Exhibition will be held at the Boardwalk Convention Centre in Port Elizabeth from
July 28-30.
This year's progamme aims to be relevant and informative. Delegates can expect in-depth discussions about topics related to marketing, hybrid events, legal aspects and human resources, among others.
There is an interesting line-up of speakers. Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk will deliver the keynote address.
The presentation by Prof. Matthew Lester of the Rhodes Business School, entitled ‘South Africa’s inconvenient truth’, will look at the South African economy and the challenges in 2013 and beyond. It will cover the National
Development Plan, tax considerations, and interest and exchange rates.
Alec Gilbert, past CEO of the Durban ICC and current CEO of the Adelaide Convention Centre, will compare the South African and Australian business events industries. James Rees of the ExCel Convention Centre in London will take a behind-the-scenes look at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Steuart Pennington from South Africa - The Good News will deal with South Africa’s challenges such as unemployment, labour relations and health, and will identify the ‘red’ and ‘green’ flags to look out for over the next four years.
The question of ‘legally pursuing an issue versus walking away from it’ will be addressed by a legal expert and South African Airways will elaborate on what it is doing to help grow business events tourism in South Africa.
The congress also provides an opportunity for conference industry members and suppliers to the industry to expose their brands, products, services and venues to the southern African conference community.
Delegates to the congress will also enjoy a fully sponsored, full-day outing to the five-star Pumba Private Game Reserve on 27 July 2013. On 28 July they can choose between a Port Elizabeth city and township tour or a visit to the Addo Elephant National Park, both sponsored by Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism and Budget Rent a Car.
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SACCI Congress to be held in South Africa in July to focus on innovation |
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Published On: 2013-05-14 |
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Themed ‘Create. Debate. Innovate.’, the the SAACI (Southern African Association for the Conference Industry) Annual Congress & Exhibition will present an opportunity for delegates to address many of the challenges faced by the industry in 2013. The event will be held at the Boardwalk Convention Centre in Port Elizabeth from July 28-30.
“In addition to our top class venue and facilities we are working with a very strong programme committee that is putting together an incredibly relevant programme that will not only inform, but challenge us to find the best path forward. ‘Take home value’ is what it is about,” says congress chairman Andrew Stewart.
Stewart says the congress committee, made up of representatives of the different sub-sectors of the conference industry, is hard at work to make it a benchmark event.
“SAACI members have already received correspondence from us, and we will release regular updates over the next few months.”
Speakers already confirmed for the congress include Matthew Lester, Associate Professor at the Rhodes Business School, who will deliver the keynote address, Alec Gilbert, Chief Executive Officer of the Adelaide Convention Centre and industry veteran Dirk Elzinga.
Source: SAACI
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Dubai Convention & Events Bureau appoints Hills Balfour |
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Published On: 2013-05-11 |
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The Dubai Convention & Events Bureau (DCEB) has hired UK representation agency Hills Balfour to develop its Europe-wide sales and marketing activity and attract further MICE and association business to Dubai.
Activity will be led by senior MICE account manager Maris Kuklis, who comments “Dubai is one of the world’s pre-eminent business tourism destinations with enormous potential to further increase its events product alongside its established association business. I’m delighted to join Hills Balfour and look forward to developing and enhancing relationships with key clients across all sectors to achieve an increase in enquiries and business for this prestigious destination.”
Hills Balfour will undertake a series of sales missions on behalf of the Bureau during 2013 along with attending trade shows such as IMEX and EIBTM, conducting sales appointments and co-ordinating educational visits to Dubai.
“The Dubai Convention & Events Bureau has a vision to promote Dubai as the leading convention destination and MICE hub worldwide,” comments Hamad M. bin Mejren-CDME, executive director, business tourism at DCEB. “We must now concentrate on promoting the quality of service, value for money and strong network of partners involved with the Bureau, which is one of the key reasons we are now working with MICE specialist Hills Balfour. Europe is a primary growth market for us considering Dubai’s geographic location, its state of the art infrastructure and comprehensive connectivity by air to all major European cities,” he confirmed.
Maris Kuklis joined Hills Balfour in April 2013 to spearhead activity for DCEB after more than three and a half years at Meetings & Exhibitions Hong Kong. He brings with him solid business acumen and strong experience with associations, event agencies, professional congress organisers and corporate clients.
Source:- Dubai Convention & Events Bureau
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International Hotel Exhibitors In Demand At Cibtm |
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Published On: 2013-05-09 |
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 The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has announced in the results of its third GBTA BTI Outlook that spending on international outbound business travel from China will increase by 13.3% in 2013, followed by 16.3% in 2014.
In addition to this, recent research carried out by Reed Travel Exhibitions has also identified that 72% of buyers attending CIBTM (www.cibtm.com) are actively seeking to identify new destinations where they can host events in the next twelve months, highlighting the opportunities available for international hotels exhibiting at the show.
Jeffrey Xu, Reed Travel Exhibitions, CIBTM Project Manager commented, “It is great to see from our post show research that buyers attending CIBTM are increasingly seeking new event destinations, presenting a unique prospect for international hotel exhibitors looking to increase their customer base from China. CIBTM creates a platform for international hotels to showcase their properties to buyers and visitors from China, and from the rest of the world.”
Emma Feng, Liaison Officer at the Okura Group, returning CIBTM 2013 exhibitor commented, “By exhibiting at CIBTM, we aim to increase awareness of our hotels and expand our client base in China which is the most important market for our organisation. CIBTM is a professional MICE trade show, compared to other events in China, and exhibiting allows us to focus on meetings which result in generating business for our organisation.”
CIBTM, the China Incentives, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition, will be hosted this year from 2nd – 4th September at the China National Convention Centre in Beijing. The show provides a gateway for international exhibitors to meet and expand their business into China.
Source:- CIBTM
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RecertTrack Develops a Guide to Association and Meetings Industry Certifications |
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Published On: 2013-05-09 |
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Following on from a successful launch in 2009, RecertTrack (www.recerttrack.com) has continued to evolve as a result of increased demand for certification guidance within the events industry. To support the growing need for knowledge on this topic Cedric Calhoun, FASAE, CAE, CEO & Founder, has developed a Guide to Association and Meetings Industry Certifications.
The guide, available for free download in May via the RecertTrack portal for Association and Meeting Professionals (www.recerttrack.com/assn-meetings), will provide ease and opportunity to research certification information and
determine which designations best fit each individual’s existing skills as well as skills they want to obtain in the future.
Cedric Calhoun, Founder of RecertTrack comments “Centralising this valuable information allows individuals on a global scale to gain instant access to knowledge and information that will enable them to advance their careers. I
firmly believe that every individual pursuing a career in this industry should have access to this resource which will support their development.”
Marsha Flanagan, Vice President, Learning Experiences, International Association of Exhibitions and Events commented, “IAEE supports having a single organisation in the exhibitions, events and meetings industry to track
certification information and recertification credits. We are excited that theCEM designation is listed and support the value of this guide as a resource for professionals who are searching for clarification and want to ensure their
professional development is on target.”
Samme Allen MPI UK & Ireland Chapter President Head of Sales, Barbican Centre says “This type of resource is desperately needed in our industry as it will provide a substantial level of support for event industry professionals.
Many individuals interested in certification face the daunting task of researching 10-15 industry organisations to determine what the requirements are, if they are eligible and what the core competencies are to obtain the certification or certificate program they want to pursue.”
Cedric Calhoun adds “I have been in the association management industry for over 16 years, and with that, I have identified that global MICE industry professionals would benefit substantially from this kind of support, providing
them with structured, professional development.”
With the support of industry organisations, the guide will provide a unified voice and direction and a means to add further professionalism to the association, convention, meeting, event and exhibition industry specifically related to
certification and certificate programs.
Source:- RecertTrack
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International Hotel Exhibitors in Demand at CIBTM |
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Published On: 2013-05-09 |
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The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has announced in the results of its third GBTA BTI Outlook that spending on international outbound business travel from China will increase by 13.3% in 2013, followed by 16.3% in 2014.
In addition to this, recent research carried out by Reed Travel Exhibitions has also identified that 72% of buyers attending CIBTM (www.cibtm.com) are actively seeking to identify new destinations where they can host events in the next twelve months, highlighting the opportunities available for international hotels exhibiting at the show.
Jeffrey Xu, Reed Travel Exhibitions, CIBTM Project Manager commented, “It is great to see from our post show research that buyers attending CIBTM are increasingly seeking new event destinations, presenting a unique prospect for international hotel exhibitors looking to increase their customer base from China. CIBTM creates a platform for international hotels to showcase their properties to buyers and visitors from China, and from the rest of the world.”
Emma Feng, Liaison Officer at the Okura Group, returning CIBTM 2013 exhibitor commented, “By exhibiting at CIBTM, we aim to increase awareness of our hotels and expand our client base in China which is the most important market for our organisation. CIBTM is a professional MICE trade show, compared to other events in China, and exhibiting allows us to focus on meetings which result in generating business for our organisation.”
CIBTM, the China Incentives, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition, will be hosted this year from 2nd – 4th September at the China National Convention Centre in Beijing. The show provides a gateway for international exhibitors to meet and expand their business into China.
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Csir International Convention Centre Hosts the South African Chefs Association |
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Published On: 2013-05-09 |
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 The CSIR International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC) recently co-sponsored and hosted a networking function for the South African Chefs Association (SACA) in order to get an initiative going to establish a subcommittee of SACA for the Tshwane region.
“It is vital for us to actively participate and support initiatives of growing the hospitality sector within Tshwane whilst projecting a positive and professional image of what Tshwane can offer”, explains Dieter Botha, CSIR ICC Food & Beverage Manager
SACA has over 500 members in the Tshwane region. There was good attendance from local chefs which offered great networking opportunity for members to interact and look at ways of growing membership in the region for the benefit of the Tshwane hospitality industry.
“Our city has some of the best restaurants and most talented chefs in the country and we are excited about supporting initiatives which strengthen the epicurean fraternity in Tshwane” says Bronwen Cadle de Ponte, Marketing and Sales Manager of the CSIR ICC.
Source:- ICCA
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Hometown Tourist Celebration Kick-off & Attraction Showcase |
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Published On: 2013-05-08 |
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 Mayor Greg Fischer, District Director Carolyn Tandy from Congressman John Yarmuth’s office, Secretary of the Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet Marcheta Sparrow, Executive Vice President of Heaven Hill Distilleries Inc. Harry Shapira, Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau President & CEO Jim Wood and hospitality officials will formally kick-off the city’s 2013 Hometown Tourist Celebration.
The public is invited to the 2013 Hometown Tourist kick-off celebration on Tuesday, May 7, at 4th Street Live! from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will unveil the celebration’s details including special events and discount ticket offers valid for anyone with a Kentucky or Indiana ID, local college ID or military ID.
Immediately following the kick-off, representatives from more than 35 businesses will man booths at the Attractions Showcase. They’ll distribute the Hometown Tourist trivia game. Those completing the trivia card will have a chance to spin the prize wheel.
Why:
Held on National Travel Rally Day, this event kicks-off Louisville’s Hometown Tourist Celebration, which has been encouraging those friends and family – Indiana and Kentucky – residents to “be a tourist in their own hometown” for more than a decade. Deep discounts (valid May 6 to 31) are available at 55 area attractions, 15 hotels and 14 restaurants.
Special offers:
Starting May 6 through the end of the month, the Louisville Visitors Center at 4th and Jefferson Streets is offering 25% off entire purchase (excluding sale items and candy).
Coverage Note:
Fourth Street will be closed from Liberty Street to Muhammad Ali Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Media vehicles can park at the bagged meters on Jefferson, alongside the Visitors Center. The press conference will take place outside).
Visuals:
A half a dozen costumed characters from area attractions will be on hand for pictures.
Segways, bicycle surreys, the Mint Julep Tour and City Taste Tours buses and the Thirsty Pedaler bike will be on-hand for tours/demonstration.
At the Visitors Center, Cake Flour will serve a Hometown Tourist Celebration cake.
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The National Conference Center White Paper Encourages "Commonsensing Your Meetings" |
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Published On: 2013-05-08 |
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The National Conference Center has released an industry white paper as part of its ongoing quarterly series, “Meeting Discoveries” which explores industry trends and advice to meeting planners on generating more productive meetings. The spring 2013 white paper (“Commonsensing Your Meetings”) posits: How do meeting planners find options to continue to hold meetings without jeopardizing employee training? The answer: simplify. Take it back to the basics.”
With insightful information from noted industry experts, author Dyanne Lagman, Marketing Manager at the National Conference Center, examines the challenges of the current economic landscape and the impact on face-to-face meetings. She notes that meeting planners comment that when forced to stretch the dollar, conducting meetings “smarter” becomes critical. The white paper theme emerged during an exchange with a current customer who noted that his company was going through a “commonsensing” of its culture. “The solution is not to cut back on face-to-face meetings altogether,” said Lagman, “but rather to employ the commonsense approach of taking it back to the basics“.
“Commonsensing Your Meetings” further examines this concept and outlines the core fundamentals of effective meetings offered by conference centers to maximize and achieve the best outcomes.
Source:- National Conference Center
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Fernando Harb promoted to position vice president of tourism sales in Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau |
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Published On: 2013-05-06 |
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The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau has announced the promotion of Fernando Harb to vice president of tourism sales. In his new position, Harb will expand his current tourism development responsibilities to spearhead market growth in Brazil, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland, Europe, Scandinavia, Middle East, Latin America and the emerging Asian markets.
Additional responsibilities include working with travel professionals to grow the pre and post cruise business while overseeing four international tourism offices including United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Colombia, and Argentina
representing Greater Fort Lauderdale and the selection of a fifth one in Brazil, a top international market for the destination.
Harb has been with the Convention & Visitors Bureau since 2007 handling domestic sales as well as supporting the international market, with an emphasis on Brazil, working with travel agents, tour operators, wholesalers, as well as groups. In addition, Harb has been instrumental in helping to attract new airline service, working with cruise lines and successfully launched Greater Fort Lauderdale as the first US destination in the Virtuoso luxury travel tourism program.
Most recently, he launched the destination's entry into medical tourism and wellness travel, a burgeoning niche market. "Fernando has been an important driver in Greater Fort Lauderdale's domestic and international tourism success," said Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Harb was formerly president of the South Florida Chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). He has held sales and marketing positions at the Hollywood Beach Marriott, Roney Palace Beach Resort in Miami Beach, RIHGA Royal, Grand Bay and Parc 51 Hotels in New York City, and Sheraton Hotels in Germany and Brazil. Harb is fluent in German, Spanish and Portuguese.
Source:- Arabian Travel Market
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